Chin support



` J. BETHURUM 2,028,820

CHIN SUPPORT im 2g, w36.

Filed Aug. 2l, 1934 ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 28, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

The invention relates to a chin support used by morticians for holding the mouth closed in a natural position, after death, until the effects of the embalming fluid has caused the jaws to set to the extent that the device may be removed.

The primary object of the invention is the provision of a support of this character which can be quickly and easily applied and adjusted by means of slight pressure from the thumb and index iinger-of the user and will not slip from its adjusted position.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a support of this character, wherein the adjustable member which rests under the chin is movable upward or downward on a square supporting rod and held in position or adjustment by means of notches on the front or chin side of the square supporting rod, so that delicate adjustment may be had.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a support of this character which is simple in construction, thoroughly reliable and effective in its purpose, easy of adjustment, easy of application and removal, strong, durable, and inexpensive to manufacture.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described in detail, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, which discloses the preferred embodiment of the invention, a-nd pointed out in the claim hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective- View showing the invention constructed in accordance with the invention as applied.

Figure 2 is an enlarged bottom plan view.

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical side elevation partly in section.

Figure 4 is a view looking toward the rear of the device, the same being in elevation.

In most instances, after death, the jaw drops, holding the mouth open and giving an unusual appearance to the face. In the work of caring for the body, the embalmer is called upon to restore the natural expression of the features and in order to do this it is required that the mouth not only be closed naturally but that it be held rmly in position until rigor mortis has set in, or the stiffening effect of the embalming fluid has taken place. To accomplish the setting of the mouth there has been devised the present invention in the nature of a chin support which comprises a shank or stern 5, which in cross section is preferably of square formation, and on one face is provided a rack or ratchet teeth 6, these eX- tending for a major portion of the length of said stem or shank. Upon the upper end of the stem or shank 5 is a bearing 'I, while slidable upon the said stem or shank is a carrier 8 which has formed therein the hole 9 for accommodating the said shank or stem and this hole, at one side thereof, is formed with a ratchet tooth I Il for coaction with the rack or the teeth 6, so that the carrier can be latched in its adjusted position on the stem or shank, as should be clearly apparent from Figures l and 3 of the drawing.

The carrier supports a concaved circularshaped chin rest I I which has Working through its center a set screw I2 formed with a knurled head I3 and a pointed tip I4, respectively, the screw being also threaded in the carrier 8, as will be obvious. Rising from the bearing 'I is a pair of prongs I5, these having the outwardly curved portions I6 and also the right-angular end portions I'I provided with ball terminals I8, the portions I'I of the ball terminals I8 being adapted to be inserted into the nostrils, and the curved portions I6 amply clear the projecting ileshy portion of the nose, the application of the device or support being clearly illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawing.

The bearing 'I and the carrier 8 are provided with linger grips I9 which permit easy and convenient adjustment of the device, both for applying and releasing the same.

In the application of the device, the chin is brought to engagement upon the chin rest Il, it being understood, of course, that first the prongs I'I are inserted in the nasal passages and thereafter the carrier 8 is adjusted on the stem or shank 5 and through the instrumentality of the rack 6 and the tooth II) the said carrier can be latched in its set position, so that the lower jaw will be sustained closed and the mouth assume a natural appearance.

The shank or stem 5 in its square formation and fitting a correspondingly shaped clearance or opening 9 therefor in the carrier 8 will eliminate any liability of side movement of these parts with relation to each other and accuracy in adjustment is assured. The set screw I2 also assures retention of the chin upon the rest I I of the device, so that there is no liability of the chin slipping from said rest while the device is in use.

What is claimed is:

A chin support comprising a member to be positioned in the nostrils of a person, a at faced rod having a head carrying said member, rack teeth formed on one flat face of the rod, a chin bearing slidably fitted on the rod and having a ratchet tongue engageable with the rack teeth thereon for latching the chin bearing adjusted on the rod when the said chin bearing is subjected to weight and means on the head and chin bearing for engagement by the ngers of a person for effecting the ratcheting action of the chin bearing on the rod.

WILL J. BETHURUM. 

